KTM’s 2019 790 Adventure R Redefines Off-Road ADV

That’s the claim Justin Dawes makes in an article in Motorcyclist magazine.  He writes, “Cutting to the point, it’s as close to rally promise as any KTM Adventure has ever achieved. Bull’s-eye. Hero status is imminent—a qualified successor to the legendary 990 Adventure. Its larger siblings are irrelevant when viewed from behind the handlebars of the 790 Adventure R.”

“…combined with a lighter 460-pound wet weight make for nearly enduro or dual-sport levels of capability.”

Sorry, Justin, but that’s just nonsense.

Sure, it’s more off-road capable than the 500+ lb behemoths like the 1290 Adventure and the GS1200 that you guys have been telling us for years are “go anywhere” machines. But weighing at 460 lbs wet it most assuredly is not “nearly enduro or dual-sport level of capability”.

Enduros weigh less than 300 lbs.

Dual sports weight between 300 and 375 lbs and most come in at less than 350 lbs (think XR650L, DRZ400s, 701, 690, and CRF250L).

There is a world of difference between a 460 lb adventure bike and a true enduro like the 260 lb KTM 500 EXC. If you don’t believe me, try riding a 790 Adventure in an actual enduro and you will quickly learn what I’m talking about.

Similarly, 120 lbs might not seem all that much when comparing the 340 lb Husqvarna 701 to the 460 lb KTM 790 Adventure when riding on a dirt road. But when you venture a little ways off that dirt road you will quickly discover that 120 lbs is a massive difference when the going gets tough.

Look, I know you guys are trying to help the manufacturers sell motorcycles but, please, for the love of God, can we have just a little bit of honesty in your reporting?